Geoffrey Ouma Mak'Ouma, a Kenyan man from Karachuonyo in Homa Bay County, has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming an artificial intelligence expert in the US. His journey to success was not easy, as he faced numerous challenges, including poverty and the loss of his parents at a young age. Mak'Ouma's story is one of resilience and determination, as he transformed from a street vendor to a successful entrepreneur.
Mak'Ouma's early life was marked by struggle, as he dropped out of school at the age of 12 and took to selling fish and sweets to make ends meet. He would often stand at the edge of Lake Victoria, earning KSh 80 a day, and wonder if this would be his life forever. However, with the help of relatives, he was able to get back into school and eventually attended several primary schools, including Rawinji Primary School, where he emerged top of the school in an exam.
Despite his academic achievements, Mak'Ouma's financial struggles continued, and he was unable to attend the University of Nairobi due to lack of funds. Instead, he took on various jobs, including working as a restaurant cashier and manual labor on construction sites. His big break came when he enrolled at Kenya Polytechnic, where he studied computer science and graduated in 2007.
Mak'Ouma's educational journey continued as he earned a Bachelor of Business Information Technology from Mt Kenya University in 2010, followed by a Master's in Strategic Management from the same institution. He later pursued a PhD at Kisii University, which he completed in 2015. His academic achievements laid the foundation for his future success in the field of artificial intelligence.
In 2017, Mak'Ouma briefly contested the Nyali MP seat on an independent ticket before relocating to the US in 2019. It was during his time in the US that he noticed many Kenyans struggling to keep pace with technology. To address this challenge, he began offering training in data science and analytics, which eventually led to the founding of NaviSmart AI.
NaviSmart AI is a start-up that builds AI-powered tools designed to simplify immigration processes. The platform has gained significant traction, with at least 1,800 people now using it. In addition to running his company, Mak'Ouma also lectures and trains professionals in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and data science, giving back to the community and helping others achieve their goals.
Mak'Ouma's inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work. From dropping out of school to becoming a successful AI entrepreneur in the US, his story is a motivation to many. As he continues to make a positive impact in his community, Mak'Ouma's achievements are a reminder that with resilience and perseverance, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Key points
- Geoffrey Ouma Mak'Ouma, a Kenyan man, has become a successful AI entrepreneur in the US despite facing numerous challenges in his early life.
- Mak'Ouma's journey to success involved overcoming poverty, dropping out of school, and struggling to access education.
- He is now the founder of NaviSmart AI, a start-up that builds AI-powered tools to simplify immigration processes.
